Exploring Spiritual Happiness: A Journey to True Contentment
Are you a spiritually happy person? For me, the answer is resounding yes. However, it’s important to first understand what I mean by spiritual happiness. This state is not simply another flavor of happiness; it’s a distinct, profound, and transformative experience.
Understanding Spiritual Happiness
Spiritual happiness is a unique and deeply fulfilling state that transcends everyday emotions. It is not characterized by excitement, elation, or even contentment. Instead, it is a non-dual, subtle, and absorbed state. Unlike ordinary happiness, it does not elicit exclamation phrases such as, 'Let’s go have coffee!' or 'Let’s go do shopping.' Rather, it is a quiet, non-expressive, and internally serene state. When experiencing this, one might smile, but the smile is quiet and inwardly reminiscent of a healthy child.
Recognizing Spiritual Happiness
People often question whether someone who experiences spiritual happiness can truly be content. But for me, yes, I do experience this undifferentiated state, and I bask in it—during meditations, in the presence of my guru and other enlightened beings, and sometimes for no reason at all.
A Journey to Spiritual Transformation
The road to spiritual happiness began with a profound spiritual transformation, a result of a significant past trauma. This experience led to a realization that true happiness is an inherent part of my being, regardless of my circumstances. I can no longer be truly unhappy without a complete rewiring or unwiring of my brain. Feeling happy is effortless and accessible, which makes it an everyday occurrence for me.
However, it is important to note that I am far from a constant state of joy. Most of the time, I remain deeply absorbed in thought, which is my preferred state. When I am in my happiest state, I appear serious. This is not due to a lack of joy, but rather a shift in focus and an appreciation for the depths of thought and introspection.
The World's Default Duality
Despite my spiritual journey, the world (jagat) still exerts its influence. It occasionally restores the default duality of happiness versus unhappiness, which can make maintaining a constant state of spiritual happiness a challenge. However, through practice and persistent effort, I strive to regain and retain this state more often and for longer durations.
Recognizing an Enlightened Being
One might question how to recognize an enlightened individual. The answer lies in their consistent state of inner peace. They carry a presence that radiates tranquility, wisdom, and profound contentment. An enlightened person is someone who has transcended the superficialities of life and is immersed in a deeper, more enduring form of happiness.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the journey to spiritual happiness is one of self-discovery and transformation. It is a continuous process that requires effort, mindfulness, and a willingness to embrace the subtleties of the inner world. By understanding and practicing spiritual happiness, we can find true contentment and a deeper connection with our true selves.